A fisheries patrol boat which cost the Welsh Government more than £1 million is to be put up for sale, just eight years after entering service.

Ministers confirmed on Wednesday, 21 October, that permission had been granted to sell FPV Catrin, a 13-metre high-speed patrol vessel previously deployed from Aberystwyth.

The Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability has authorised the appointment of a broker to market the vessel.

FPV Catrin was launched in 2018 as part of a multimillion-pound investment in protecting Welsh waters from illegal fishing. Built by Marine Specialised Technology, the vessel was designed to provide rapid-response enforcement capabilities and safeguard fishing communities.

Government records show it operated from marinas in Aberystwyth, Conwy and Milford Haven during its first year, undertaking patrols between Conwy and Carmarthen Bay. However, previously released figures reveal a substantial decline in its recorded deployments during subsequent years.

A 2023 Freedom of Information response confirmed the vessel cost £1,014,892.80 and completed 32 patrols in 2021, falling to just five in 2022. Only one patrol was recorded between January and April 2023, the final period covered by the published figures. The records do not establish how frequently the vessel has operated since then. The decline in usage could be interpreted as a signal of succesful deterrant.

Announcing its introduction in 2018, then Cabinet Secretary Lesley Griffiths said the boat would help enforce marine laws and protect Wales' fishing industry.

FPV Catrin formed part of a fleet which also included the larger FPV Rhodri Morgan and FPV Lady Megan.

The Welsh Government's latest decision confirms approval to proceed with its sale but does not specify an asking price, explain why it is being disposed of or establish whether a replacement is planned.

No buyer has yet been announced.